The adversaries also refer us to philology. From names for the Mass they make arguments that do not require a long discussion. For though the Mass is called a sacrifice, it does not follow that it must confer grace ex opere operato, or that it merits the forgiveness of sins when applied on behalf of others.

Pulling It Together

Though some call it the sacrifice of the Mass, it still would not mean that this service of thanksgiving, or Eucharist, bestows God’s grace upon people whether they have faith in him or not. Even if it were a sacrifice, the doing of the ceremony does not deserve forgiveness and salvation for unbelievers, let alone for those not present or even dead. At any rate, Holy Communion is not a sacrifice. It is a service of great thanksgiving and communion among many people, a liturgy of the gratitude of God’s people and of blessing from God. We are not killing or sacrificing Jesus again and again at each communal remembrance. Instead, in the service of worship or liturgy, the congregation proclaims Christ’s one-time death until he returns.

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The Spiritual Realms is a nine-session Bible Study series on Heaven and Hell and places beyond this world. Specifically, the study looks at the many “place names” that are found throughout Scripture, referring to spiritual realms of existence that underlie and comprise the universe God created. This Bible Study series is a challenging one, in that it explores realities of existence beyond what we know and experience everyday.

The study not only addresses matters of life, death, heaven and hell, it steadfastly affirms that Jesus Christ is at the center of all these things. Our ultimate faith and hope rest in Christ’s death and resurrection for our sake. We live in faith by the biblical promise that: “God raised the Lord, and will also raise us up by his power.” (1 Cor 6:14)